tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post7981110756074594408..comments2023-06-28T11:56:24.073-04:00Comments on The Lamb's War: FUM Triennial 2008, Reflections, Part 2Micah Baleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06849915973708989620noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post-88167700387833395272008-07-17T07:56:00.000-04:002008-07-17T07:56:00.000-04:00A long time ago FUM decided that the Triennial ses...A long time ago FUM decided that the Triennial sessions were not a good place to make decisions, and moved most of the decision making that used to be done at the Triennial to the General Board. Those who gather for the Triennial are not an ongoing group; and there is considerable turnover between Triennials. It is just not a setting for careful decision making.<br><br>I suspect the Belize request came from the heart as the Cains' service is coming to an end. Affirmation is appropriate in this kind of circumstance, but I recognize the problem when it appears to be making a decision about the future. Don't get too hung up in process. Listen to the heart of what is going on.<br><br>As I read the transcripts on the Triennial blog, I was moved by the passion of those serving. There was a real sense of excitement in participating in God's work here on earth. There is quite a lot of really wonderful Spirit-led work going on, it seems to me.<br><br>It really saddens me that so many liberal North American Friends are unable to catch the excitement of faithful Friends work, and instead seize every opportunity to throw brickbats at FUM. Most of the work should be able to be affirmed across the divisions in Friends - peace and reconciliation work, education, health care, etc. These are Friends on the ground living out Friends testimonies in important ways. I wish more Friends would find it in their hearts to celebrate and support it.<br><br>And lift the cultural blinders! So many North American Friends who have not done service abroad are uncomfortable at different styles, instead of opening their minds and hearts to the cultural mix they find at FUM. Friends are worshipping in ways meaningful to them and experiencing joy in the fellowship, and a bunch of white middle class North Americans are upset that things aren't the way they are back home. Grow up!Bill Samuelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752443575410023776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post-6694450114317132132008-07-17T08:50:00.000-04:002008-07-17T08:50:00.000-04:00Micah,Great to see you at the NCYM-Conservative wo...Micah,<br><br>Great to see you at the NCYM-Conservative worship. <br><br>I read your report of the FUM with sadness. However, God is raising up prophets to call North American (and African) Friends back to the Foundation. It seems there is a movement afoot in all branches of Friends to return to the table that was set before us long ago and has, until recently, pretty much been abandoned.<br><br>Your voice and the voices of many Friends are being raised to remind us that we must return to deep communion with the Inward Light of Christ. <br><br>The problem is not so much liberal vs. evangelical for both have strayed from the Path. The Solution is, as it always has been, to keep our eyes on our Redeemer and get beyond the "labels" and ideologies. "What can thou sayest?" Nothing more or less than what has been spoken to our hearts by the One that called us out of the world and into His Kingdom.<br><br>Love and peace,<br>Craig<br>nclotus at triad.rr.comquakerboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00762340904563467030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post-79469359189663923472008-07-17T09:10:00.000-04:002008-07-17T09:10:00.000-04:00Wise comments, Micah. I fear that too many of our...Wise comments, Micah. I fear that too many of our bodies are turning into denominational offices that we serve rather than organizations that serve the needs of Friends. Questions need to be asked -- for example "Why FUM?" (You could insert any Quaker acronymn here -- FCNL, AFSC, etc). What relevance do organizations set up in earlier centuries have to do w/ the Friends movement today? I'm not saying they don't But have we ever asked if they do? What role/work is the Living Christ calling them/us to in this day? Do we pour new wine into old wineskins? <br><br>And I disagree with my friend Bill Samuel about getting hung up in the process -- I think the whole idea of meeting for worship for business (i.e. the process) is exactly where we can engage in the process of discernmetn and support the work that is going on. I fear sometimes we get so busy doing the Lord's work that we forget to take time to stop and ask are we doing the Lord's work and/or are we the people to be doing this particular piece of the Lord's work.<br><br>I see your report as a hungering for the vital work of the Spirit among Friends -- and applaud it.Brent Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01351957537347562545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post-68080181318966551212008-07-18T09:17:00.000-04:002008-07-18T09:17:00.000-04:00Your reflections seem very grown up to this Friend...Your reflections seem very grown up to this Friend (I wish there were no need to say it), and we absolutely need Friends like you with the courage to speak out when the way Friends around them do things upsets them. How will the Spirit correct the Church if everyone's afraid to say anything that might seem impolite or challenging?<br><br>I wasn't at the FUM Triennial myself so I have no comment of my own to make on it, except that I'm reading and hearing reports on it with eager interest.<br><br>The condition of the Church at Laodicea has been much on my mind as I prepare to attend my Yearly Meeting's scheduled Meeting for Discernment this coming Third Day. What can be done about lukewarmness? What does Christ call us to do?<br><br>Thy Friend John<br>Blogging at "Among Friends:"<br>http://among.wordpress.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37106751.post-36028514546527439232008-07-18T14:29:00.000-04:002008-07-18T14:29:00.000-04:00Micah - thanks for the inside view of both FGC and...Micah - thanks for the inside view of both FGC and FUM events. You keep a busy schedule. Miss hearing your voice since the May intensive. - Rob P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com